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About

R. Kolbach is a leading researcher in precision dairy farming, with a primary focus on the engineering and optimization of automatic milking systems, specifically robotic rotary (RR) technology. Her work addresses critical challenges in the transition from conventional to automated milking, aiming to enhance both animal welfare and farm efficiency. Kolbach’s major contributions include pioneering investigations into attachment accuracy and milk removal in novel prototype robotic rotaries, such as the DeLaval AMR. She conducted seminal studies on management strategies for incomplete milked quarters and the effects of bail activation sequences and feed availability on cow traffic and milking capacity. Her research demonstrated that premilking teat preparation can significantly improve robotic attachment accuracy and milk removal characteristics, providing actionable insights for system design. With her most-cited paper, "Attachment accuracy of a novel prototype robotic rotary..." (13 citations), Kolbach has laid foundational knowledge for the commercial development of high-throughput robotic rotaries capable of milking up to 50 cows per hour. Her work is essential reading for students and researchers in agricultural engineering, dairy science, and animal behavior, as it directly informs the evolution of more efficient, cow-friendly milking technologies.